EXCLUSIVE… UPDATE WITH MORE DETAILS, 3:45 PM: We hear that the idea of Hugh Grant as a replacement for Charlie Sheen in Two And A Half Men was first pitched to CBS boss Les Moonves and CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler about a month ago. After a couple of weeks sorting out the Sheen lawsuit fallout, the two execs blessed the plan and Grant was approached by the producers at Warner Bros. We hear Hugh flew in and had 2 creative meetings. Things were progressing and he had all but a completed deal when he backed out unexpectedly. ‘It was not the money. He didn’t want to do TV because those 24 episodes are a grind and a lot of work. At the end he couldn’t get his head around doing a series.” Another insider tells us that, if Grant committed, “the show could have gotten another 3 to 4 more seasons”.

PREVIOUS FROM NIKKI FINKE: I’ve learned that one-time bad boy Hugh Grant was deep into final negotiations to replace Charlie Sheen as the lead on Two And A Half Men until he pulled out last night at the last minute due to creative differences. Insiders tell me he’d been offered more than $1 million an episode [UPDATE: but Warner Bros sources are now saying it was not that much], which is the sort of $25M-a-year payday Grant doesn’t get from movies anymore. All along insiders at Warner Bros and CBS had been saying that they were going after “an A-lister” as the new star of the top-rated sitcom after Sheen was fired, and Hugh sure fits the bill. (Let me tell you, I would have watched that show!) CBS has been working hard to announce the return of the show and its new star at next week’s upfronts. Maybe Grant will reconsider. Let’s hope. But it’s a decision that will affect not just CBS’ Nielsen ratings and advertising revenue but also billions of dollars of future syndication contracts for Warner Bros Television.

Insiders have been explaining to me that, at first, executive producer and co-creator Chuck Lorre wasn’t sure if he wanted to proceed with the show after Sheen’s implosion. With three successful sitcoms on CBS — Two And A HalfMen, Mike & Molly, and The Big Bang Theory — Lorre was enjoying only showrunning two of them. But the problem, and it’s a very nice problem to have, is that there is so much moolah at stake because Two And A Half Men is a multibillion-dollar asset in syndication on terrestrial broadcast stations like the Fox station group, on cable with FX, as well as via multi foreign and DVD deals. The terrestrial contracts called for the stations to have to carry the show as long as Sheen was “of the essence” of each episode. Once Sheen left, the stations could get out of the contract. The hope was and still is that his replacement will be so compelling that the stations will want to continue the contract. Not so with the cable and foreign deals, where Charlie was not “of the essence”, meaning it didn’t matter to the contracts whether Sheen was in the show or not as long as the sitcom’s concept remained similar. This is why everybody have been working so hard to find a replacement, with names like Woody Harrelson, Rob Lowe, John Stamos and Jeremy Piven circulating in the blogosphere. But until now, with Deadline’s news about Hugh Grant, there’s been nothing concrete about actual negotiations going on with any specific actor to replace Sheen.

Sources close to Lorre have told me that he only wants to continue the show “if he can find the right actor and get excited about that.” What matters most to Lorre, I’m told, is that Sheen’s replacement be “somebody Chuck can work with” after butting heads with Charlie for years in a situation that escalated into a very public and nasty feud this spring. The feeling was to contract with “an exciting actor who’d never done TV before,” and Moonves especially was encouraging Lorre et al to “swing high”. As one insider told me, “Everybody wants show back and to support Chuck creatively and to do something the advertising community will feel good about. The only issue was whether everyone could get the show up and running and right fast enough to make this fall’s schedule.”

165 Comments

Would have been interesting to see Grant do TV. He does have amazing comedic timing and would certainly have classed up the show!

mjrules • on May 11, 2011 11:52 am

Is this the same Hugh Grant we are all talking about??? This man has NEVER been funny and majority of his films have proven this.

Although, Charlie Sheen is a total tool to society he’s the show.

I’m sorry either bring him back with all his foolishness or just cancel this show once and for all. No one is going to be able to replace him, it’s just not going to work (see how their having difficulties finding someone) in the long term. The fans want the show back but seriously Hugh Grant (he might surprise but a very long shot)????

Again, no one thinks Hugh Grant is funny in the UK from what I’ve read (have you seen his interviews always boring) but oh well just my opinion.

a writer • on May 11, 2011 12:16 pm

I think fans of Four Weddings and A Funeral, About a Boy and Love Actually would sincerely disagree with you.

If this comes to pass I would without a doubt watch my first episode of this show ever.

That said, I think if Grant is ready to do TV, I’d rather see him on something with more teeth than this show.

mjrules • on May 11, 2011 4:29 pm

Yes, he was awesome in those roles but that’s it. Also, I didn’t necessary watch those films because of him but because others were involved.

I don’t necesary hate the guy, I just don’t think, he’s the right choice for this project (like you said). If anything, he should try for another film role that’s funny or very different.

Again, this is the problem that I fear i.e. most people would watch the first or third episodes then disappear fast.

Again, we all know Charlie Sheen is currently not on this planet in terms of his mind (we have the proof constantly still a smart business man though, he played the folks who saw his live performances) but he’s still the right choice in my opinion.

As I stated previously, Hugh Grant might surprise but still……

sevns • on May 11, 2011 8:10 pm

“…I would without a doubt watch my first episode of this show ever…I’d rather see him on something with more teeth than this show.”

So you admit to never having watched a single episode of the show yet you think the show is not a good fit for him.

I don’t know.. both Sheen and Grant had experience with a hooker. If the show was loosely based on Sheen, with Grant it could be about his escapades with less than stunning street walkers.

mjrules • on May 13, 2011 5:23 am

I never stated I didn’t watch a single episode of the show.

I love the show.

Hence in my opinion Charlie Sheen was still the best choice. It’s all been decided now with further updates.

I said I FEARED OTHERS would only watch the first three episodes only, then move on because Charlie was the key.

Sheri Pinkham • on May 13, 2011 11:50 am

Did you not see Bridget Jones’s Diary…..and it’s sequel The Edge of Reason? It was brillantly cast and Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver was superb…..he made a perfect cheating ladies’ man, which without him it simply would not have worked. This is definetly the right guy to save to one of my favorite sitcoms. What about all the rest of the cast who are basically getting thrown under the bus, thanks to Charlie who I still wonder if he is insane or is he crazy like a fox…..and knows exactly whats going on.

Pat • on May 11, 2011 12:28 pm

Hugh Grant would’ve been a great replacement. He’s funny and has the gravitas to convey an interesting portrayal.

phil • on May 11, 2011 10:19 pm

No! No! Hugh Grant?! People will remember all the roles he’s played where he was the perfect gentleman and the ones where he was just a nice guy like when he entertained Julia Roberts who needed a place to stay as a movie star at his flat. He doesn’t have the self assuradnance or just plain cockieness to replace The Charlie Scheen! It’s John Stamos, that cocky ‘so-in-so’, no good for nothin’ punk that does that so naturally!!! Do!

suz • on May 13, 2011 9:41 am

I think Hugh Grant is VERY funny! Whoever said he isn’t funny has no sense of humor!

djt • on May 11, 2011 1:17 pm

Trial baloon bubbleworld. Audience big for first episode then drop off a cliff as Grant would revert to his second button style of acting— looks down at his second button as he murmers dialogue— along with stutter and stammering every line as he keeps grabbing his hair. Loser brother would actually become the “cool” one as the audience would be reduced to Lorre, his family and CBS Execs by 5th episode.

NOW, if you mean RICHARD E. Grant then we are smoking!!!!

madd • on May 11, 2011 1:58 pm

no wont watch with out charlie sheen never

vrobbins • on May 11, 2011 2:08 pm

I think 2&1/2 Men writers are missing the boat! Need to have Charlie “die,” and then have a Charlie son show up, exhibiting Charlie’s bad traits and Alan and Jake trying to keep him from falling into being like Charlie … would still be 1&1/2 Men … with a new “cute kid” and might fall back into #1 public spot!

mjrules • on May 11, 2011 4:36 pm

Great alternative, I love the idea.

• on May 12, 2011 12:23 pm

I think Grant is a better actor and would have made the show so much better. Even as a drunk, Charlie didn’t do too great a job at acting drunk. Hugh Grant would have brought this show to a totally higher level. I really hope he reconsiders.

bounder • on May 11, 2011 9:46 am

Hah – I would’ve watched that. Grant as an utter reprobate? If they’d let him totally fuck with his image, I’d be in for a couple of episodes of that.

bobs cheese • on May 11, 2011 9:47 am

Grant is one of the few actors that could make the show BETTER and bring a bigger audience. I would have watched it just for him.

Creative differences this early on is just a couple of code words for “I want more money”.
Just give him an exec producer credit so he can reap some of the syndication money & he’ll come on board. They’ll probably have to give out a few other EP credits, but the show prints money!

DO IT • on May 11, 2011 9:51 am

He’ll reconsider. He would be insane not to. This would be a slam dunk for all involved.

Richard James • on May 11, 2011 9:53 am

A great casting choice! Let’s hope they fix this and get him on board.
He is a very funny and witty guy, when let off script.

Heather • on May 11, 2011 10:01 am

I would have watched that show too! So I will share my favorite Hugh Grant joke:
What did Hugh Grant and Faye Dunaway have in common? They both got Blown Off Sunset Boulevard. (I’ll be here all week, try the veal)

KB/KT Grant • on May 11, 2011 10:01 am

LOL! No winning for Sheen!

I’d love Tom Hanks to do a season since he has tv sitcom roots.

Judy • on May 11, 2011 10:05 am

I would have totally watched the show too!

Spandex • on May 11, 2011 10:06 am

Were Mel Gibson and Nic Cage unavailable???

JulieY • on May 11, 2011 10:08 am

Me too Nikki

brian • on May 11, 2011 10:08 am

I have never watched Two and a Half Men. I would watch with Hugh Grant.

2.5 women • on May 11, 2011 10:14 am

Ditto.

Candy • on May 11, 2011 12:47 pm

Ditto, ditto, dit.

RomComCrazy • on May 11, 2011 10:42 am

You read my mind. the show never seemed appealing to me, but with Grant, that would at least get me in for the first episode.

cbs shareholder • on May 11, 2011 10:09 am

You are right, he would make an interesting lead. What creative differences couldn’t be worked out when it comes to “Women and Teats”?

aquart • on May 11, 2011 10:09 am

Hugh Grant? Yes. I would have watched.

Mike D. • on May 11, 2011 10:10 am

Hugh Grant……BOOOOORRRRRRIIIINNNGGG!!! Bring back Charlie!!!!

maddt • on May 11, 2011 2:00 pm

i agree

• on May 11, 2011 3:50 pm

Anyone I know that watches Two and a Half Men want Charlie back!!!!!!!!We miss him!!!!!!!!!!

JWB • on May 11, 2011 10:10 am

The audience for Two And A Half Men would never accept a brit. Bring back Sheen and call it a day. The CBS Monday lineup needs Sheen back. They can do without Chuck Lorre. If they can’t get along. He’s not a brilliant writer. He can be replaced. You can’t replace Charlie Sheen.

cbs shareholder • on May 11, 2011 10:27 am

You need to sit down and start reading up on the entire situation. Sheen admitted over the weekend that he was “HIGH” FOR EVERY FILMING. HE IS A SICK KID WHO NEEDS HELP.

adonis DNA • on May 11, 2011 11:08 am

Was kinda thinking the same thing, JWB. Lorre and CBS are trying to prove it’s *their format* that’s the star, not Charlie. This isn’t Law & Order here guys. Swallow your pride, bring Charlie back for one more year, hold him together with duct tape, chewing gum and unbent wire hangers, shove him out there like Keith Richards and everybody can go home paid already.

Les • on May 11, 2011 1:41 pm

Its true , Charlie is the show and Im done without him. Just get the two of you together, tell everyone its all because of the drugs, its over and were sorry. Its not the first time an actor or a writer thought they were the show. Truth is , its all involved. get rid of your egos and do it.

daviddavid • on May 11, 2011 10:11 am

Wow … my first thought was ‘yes, I’d watch too’ … then the more I thought about it, the more I thought just how much IN COMMON Hugh has with Charlie. A rather inspired choice I’d say … hope it still happens.
The upfronts would go CRAZY!

brick • on May 11, 2011 10:12 am

Hugh really turned down 25 million dollars to do a multi-cam sitcom? I hope he’s not that stupid. That’s about the easiest check you can get in this business.

MightHaveHadReasons • on May 11, 2011 10:45 am

A few thoughts on this comment:

1. How do they set up that a Brit is living in someone else’s home while still maintaining a believable level of, “This is my home I’m allowing you to live in”? (There’s nothing wrong with redefining a show but keeping the same set is a big part of that for a cash cow like TAAHM.)

2. If it’s a $25m pay day, that’s fantastic, but if the bloom has started to fade a bit from your “leading man in movies” days, maybe being blamed for a very popular series’ demise would be a scary career challenge to take on.

I think Grant would kick butt in the role and people would love it, but the above two questions had to come into play somewhere, right?

MightHaveHadReasons • on May 11, 2011 10:49 am

And before I get flamed…I’m a HUGE Grant fan. That “bloom fading” comment was meant only in regard to his last box-office solo hit being a while back now.

College Student • on May 11, 2011 1:23 pm

They have a team of writers so I’m sure they could find something that works… Charlie runs off with Rose to live in England. He agrees to swap houses with his millionaire playboy British cousin, who brings a girl he met at the airport home with him, only to discover that Charlie’s brother also lives in the house.

That shouldn’t be too hard to squeeze in between whatever unused penis and fart jokes they were saving for the upcoming season.

shade • on Jun 2, 2011 1:41 pm

Best idea yet.

daviddavid • on May 11, 2011 10:12 am

A DIVINE CHOICE INDEED!!!

Two and half men fan • on May 11, 2011 10:13 am

Charlie who???? Hope this works out!!!!!!

• on May 11, 2011 10:15 am

WOW! I would have loved to watch that! Hugh Grant is absolutely phenomenal and would be a fantastic match for the show.

Please • on May 11, 2011 10:19 am

WB and CBS make this happen. PLEASE!!! It would be a great choice.

Tommy T • on May 11, 2011 10:23 am

Hugh is holding out for $40 million… why? Because CBS is desperate and he can. Just watch.

Rex • on May 11, 2011 10:27 am

He’s essentially a better version of Charlie Sheen – he’d be a fool not to do it, hopefully he’ll reconsider.